Development of linear IgA bullous dermatosis in a patient with psoriasis taking ustekinumab

Management Options for Linear Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Bullous Dermatosis: A Literature Review

Linear immunoglobulin A (IgA) bullous dermatosis (LABD) is an autoimmune condition with various triggers. Because of the lack of randomized controlled trials on LABD treatment, management options are mostly anecdotal. This paper provides a comprehensive review of treatment options from a literature review of reported treatments to arm clinicians with a guideline for the management of LABD in both pediatric and adult patients as well as those recalcitrant to first-line therapy (dapsone and steroids). We additionally illustrate an algorithm to use for the management of LABD to aid clinicians when faced with unique patient circumstances.

Autoimmune blistering diseases provoked during the treatment of chronic inflammatory disease with biologic agents: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

To investigate the clinical course of autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBDs) following treatment with biologic agents (BAs) for chronic inflammatory diseases.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of available, published literature was performed using PubMed and CINAHL search engines. Diagnostic criteria of AIBD included positive direct immunofluorescence studies and/or positive serology with clinically suggestive features.

RESULTS

A total of 22 cases of AIBDs provoked by the use of BAs were found. The most commonly implicated agents were tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors (n = 14). The mean age of onset of AIBD was 59.4 years (median 61.5 years, range 31-82). Average time to onset of AIBD following initiation of the suspected BA was 33.7 ± 43.8 weeks (range 3 days to 152 weeks). Psoriasis was the most common associated condition for which the BA was prescribed (n = 11), followed by rheumatoid arthritis (n = 6) and ulcerative colitis (n = 5). Of the 21 cases reporting AIBD outcome, 17 reported remission or complete resolution upon stopping treatment with the involved BA. Four cases reported continued bullae formation without worsening of disease following cessation of the BA or systemic corticosteroids used to treat the AIBD. Five cases rechallenged the patient with the involved BA and four of the five reported recurrence, often with quicker onset and more severe symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

BAs may be suspected in patients developing AIBD while being treated for chronic inflammatory diseases. A majority of cases resolve upon cessation of the offending agent.

Myasthenia gravis after etanercept and ustekinumab treatment for psoriatic arthritis: A case report

A 35-year-old man was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis treated with methotrexate and cyclosporine, the latter was then interrupted. Subsequently, etanercept was introduced, administered for 10 years and then replaced with ustekinumab. Six months after treatment with ustekinumab, patient underwent a chest CT scan for pneumonia, showing an anterior mediastinal mass which turned out to be a thymoma. He was referred to our department with fatigue, difficulty in raising arms and transient episodes of diplopia after exertion. Clinical history revealed that these symptoms had begun about 7 years previously but were ascribed to psoriatic arthritis. A diagnosis of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies positive myasthenia gravis was made; a higher dosage of methotrexate and prednisone were started with regression of symptoms. Our case increases the number of clinical reports of myasthenia gravis onset in patients with a history of rheumatic disease treated with anti-TNFα drugs. We speculate that ustekinumab could contribute to clinical worsening.

Cutaneous Manifestations of Reactions to Biologics

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goal of this paper is to review the major adverse cutaneous reactions that have been reported to the most commonly used biologics.

RECENT FINDINGS

Anti-TNF agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors have significant, immune-mediated cutaneous manifestations that can necessitate discontinuation. Anti-TNF agents, IL-6 inhibitors, and IL-12/23 inhibitors can paradoxically cause psoriasis flares or unmask previously undiagnosed psoriasis. IL-17 inhibitors are unique in increasing risk for Candida infections. Benign injection site reactions, non-specific rash, cellulitis, and hypersensitivity reactions are relatively common adverse events. A wide variety of cutaneous reactions caused by biologics have been reported, ranging from benign injection site reactions to life-threatening cutaneous reactions necessitating discontinuation of the implicated biologic agent.